Google No Longer To Accept Gambling For Fun Ads in AdWords

Google has been notifying UK AdWords advertisers that they will no longer be accepting any form of gambling ads.

That means, even sites that "gambling related content or gambling tutorials," said the email sent to advertisers by Google. Google clarified that this includes gambling sites that are "play for fun," with free models. Google has always disallowed advertising sites such as bingo, poker and online casinos.

I have not heard any reports from the US side, this appears to just impact UK advertisers.

Here is a copy of that email:

Dear all,

Please be aware of a policy change - effective today (June 6th) Google AdWords will not permit the advertisement of online gambling websites. Previously, the policy was to allow adverts from free, but not paid, gambling sites. Now the use of gambling in any context is forbidden.

A Google spokesperson said:

"Google has always prohibited the advertising of things like bingo, poker and online casinos. However having looked at this issue very carefully and considered the views of our users, we have decided to extend our policy. We will no longer take ads for sites that promote gambling related content or gambling tutorials or whose primary purpose is `playing for fun', gambling or casino games of skill. While we respect people's differing views on gambling - and support freedom of expression - we believe that this new policy is simpler for everyone to understand and more in tune with users' wishes."